Carbide coating is a process by which a thin layer of tungsten carbide is applied to the surface of steel. This coating has the surface hardness of carbide (70 RC), while retaining all of the flexibility of the steel substraight. This process impregnates the carbide into the tool steel and will never flake off. Coating thickness can be varied from .0003 to .0025 thick, to suit the application.

Carbide coating is a fast and economical solution to many work holding problems. Coating the gripping surface with a layer of tungsten carbide can greatly increase the ability to hold the workpiece. For example, a carbide coating was applied to an internal chucking collet with a T.I.R. of .00005. The ability of the collet to hold the part was increased by 300% and extended the life of the tool by two and a half times. Concentricity of .0001 was maintained on the work piece.